Nozzle for spraying dry chemicals



Oct. l, i949, A. E. Suasa Er AL NIOZZLE FVOR SPRAYING DRY CHEMICALS 7Sheets-Sheet l Filed March 28, 1946 Oct, m 4949., A, B GUESE ETAL t2,484,943 l NOZZLE'FOR SPRAYING Dziv CHEMICALS Filed llarch 282 1946 '7Sheets-Sheet 2 lli i8, 1949. A. sf GunsE Er' AL NOZZLE FOR SPRAYING DRYCHEMICALS 7 Sheets-Shea?.

Filed March 28. 1946 EHS ct.V 18, 1949.

A. B. GulsE Er AL NOZZLE FOR SPRAYING DRY CHEMICALS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5Filed llarch 28, 1946 K ob.

Oct. 18, 1949. A. B. GulsE Er AL 2,484,943

NozzLE FOR SPRAYING DRY CHEMICALS Filed March 28, 1946 7 Shets-Sheet 6 3lf3 e Elven/Z075" Oct. 18, `'1949. A. B. GulsE r-:r'AL 2,484,943

NozzLE Fon summe DRY cHEuIcALs Filed March 28, 1946 7 Sheets-SheetImaan/o7 Patented Oct. 18, 1949 N OZZLE FOR SPRAYING DRY CHEMICALSArthur B. Guise and Theodore W, Johnson, Marinette, Wis., assignors toAnsul Chemical Company, Marinette, Wis., a corporation of WisconsinApplication March 28, 1946, Serial No. 657,658

4 Claims. (Cl. 169-1) This invention relates to a. nozzle constructionfor producing streams of predetermined shape and velocity. Morespecifically, the invention relates to the production of streams ofcomminuted free-flowing fire extinguishing dry chemical. The nozzleconstruction of the present invention is particularly adapted forproducing streams of powdered dry chemical adapted for extlnguishinggasoline, kerosene and paraffin oil fires, the dry chemical beingpropelled through the nozzle by an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbondioxide under high pressure. The novel features of the invention can beembodied in various types of nozzle constructions, two illustrativeembodiments of which are given in the following specification.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe following specification and drawings wherein,

Figure l is a side- View of one specific type of nozzle embodying thenovel features of the present invention,

Figure 2 is a plan view of the nozzle,

Figure 3 is a front end view of the discharge end of the nozzle.

Figure 4 is an enlarged partly broken vertical sectional View of thenozzle showing the valve in closed position,

Figure 5 is a perspective view, partly broken away, of the nozzle tip, y

Figure 5A is a perspective view of a modified form of the nozzle tip,

Figure 6 is a sectional View taken on lines 6 6 of Figure 4,

Figure '7 is a plan View of a fan-shaped stream 'of dry chemicalproduced by the nozzle,

Figure 8 is a side view of the same stream of dry chemical to show itscontour,

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional View of another nozzle constructionembodying the novel features of the present invention,

Figure 10 is a fragmental enlarged sectional View of the nozzle mouthillustrating the stream emission,

Figure 10A is a sectional View taken on 10A-10A of Figure 10,

Figure l1 is a plan View of a modified nozzle tip construction havingthree orifices,

Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view of a stream produced by usingthe nozzle tip shown in Figure 11,

Figure 13 is a plan view of another nozzle tip having four equallyspaced orifices,

Figure 14 is a'transverse sectional View of a stream produced by usingthe nozzle tip shown in Figure 13,

lines Figure 15 is a plan view of a modified nozzle tip having sixequally spaced orifices, l

Figure 16 is a transverse sectional view of a stream produced by usingthe nozzle tip shown in Figure 15,

Figure 17 is a plan view of another modified form of a nozzle tip,

Figure 18 is a sectional view taken on lines III-I8 of Figure '17,

Figure 19 is a plan view of a further modified nozzle tip construction,

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken on lines 20-20 of Figure 19,

Figure 21 is a plan View of still another modified nozzle tipconstruction, and

Figure 22 is a sectional view taken on lines 22-22 of Figure 2l.

Referring to the drawings, one form of nozzle construction embodying thepresent invention is shown in Figures 1 to 4 which illustrate adualstream type 0f nozzle construction provided with a rotatable plugtype valve controlled by an exterior handle which permits the drychemical to discharge selectively either through a smooth borecylindrical discharge opening for producing a straight stream, orthrough another discharge channel opening provided with a nozzle tipconstruction embodying the novel features of the present invention forproducing a, fan-shaped stream.

The dual-stream nozzle is constructed of metal, preferably of acorrosion-resistant aluminum alloy in the form of a tubular hollow bodyl0 of the general contour illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 having a smoothcylindrical internal intake bore 9 terminating in a socket portion IIwhich is provided with threads I1 internally thereof for coupling to asuitable hose which is connected t0 a suitable source of gas pressurefor feeding dry powdered chemical to the bore 9 of the nozzle. Agasket I8 is seated in the base of the socket to make a fluid tight connection.

The body I0 of the nozzle increases slightly in taper and enlarges to asubstantially cylindrical chamber I5 open at the top and bottom forseating therein a cylindrica1 rotatable Valve plug 2D which fits snuglytherein. Plug 20 is provided with a cylindrical stem 25, as shown inFigure 4, which projects outwardly of the nozzle body and is fastened bya locking pin to handle I4. Handle I4 is provided with a cylindricalbore 26 for snugly receiving the extension 25 of the plug 20. Anenlarged terminal knob I6 is provided on the handle for facilitatinggrasping and moving same to any desired position. Handle I4 is providedwith an integral stop portion 3 which is adapted to contact stop-lugs 30and 3I respectively at the extreme left position as shown in Figure 44,or at the extreme right position.

The lower face of the cylindrical portion I5 is provided with threespaced semi-spherical indents or depressions 32, 33 and 34 which areadapted to slidably receive a lock indent ball 29 retained in acylindrical bore 28 provided in the handle I4 which is normally actuatedupwardly by a coil spring 21 positioned within the bore 28. The lockindent ball serves to releasably lock the handle I4 at three differentpositions as determined by the location of the indents 32, 33 and 34.`

Valve plug 20 is circumferentially channeled adjacent its upper andlower ends for receiving cast iron tin-plated piston-type split rings 23which serve to seal the lateral bearing surfaces of the plug againstescape of any dry chemical at this region. The dry chemical retained atthe piston rings in turn serves to minimize gas leakage at this region.A stainless steel washer I9 is interposed below the base of the plug 20and plug seat, to seal the plug as well as to facilitate its rotation byminimizing any binding action that might otherwise occur between theplug and its seat.

The plug 20 is provided with two drilled passageways or ports, indicatedby numerals 2l and 22, which are positioned so that the longitudinalaxes thereof are located at an angle of about 60 to each other. Theupper port 2i is adapted to be aligned with a channel or passage 36 inthe forward discharge portion I3 of the nozzle by rotating handle I4 soas to cause plug 20 to assume the intermediate position, at whichposition the lock indent ball 29 will be engaged in the intermediateindent opposite the words fan stream as shown in Figure 1. By rotatingthe handle I4 to the extreme right position or "straight stream positionport 22 will be aligned with the lower smooth bore cylindrical dischargestream channel 35. At this position the lock indent ball 29 will beengaged in indent 34 and stop portion 3 of the handle will contactstop-lug 3I. If it is desired to shut oi communication with both theupper and lower stream channels the handle is moved to the extreme leftor closed position shown in Figures 1 and 4, at which position stopportion 3 of the handle I4 is incontact with lug 30 and lock indent ball29 is engaged in indent 32. The valve plug 20 will then assume theposition shown inFigure 4 so that communication with the intake portion9 of the nozzle and for- -ward discharge portion I3 is cut oil. f

Upper stream channel 36 is provided with a conical plug or nozzle tip 31positioned inwardly of the discharge mouth of the nozzle and is retainedin seat 39 by a setscrew 2 provided in the exit chamber I2 of thenozzle. The nozzle tip 31 "has two substantially circular oriiices 38diametrically opposite each other and perpendicular to the taperedportion as shown in Figures 5 and 6.- When handle 'I4 is moved to itsintermediate lposition so as to align port 2l of valve plug 20 only withstream channel 35, dry chemical supplied under pressure from' a hose 5will be expelled through the orifices 38. The discharge of dry chemicalthrough these orifices and impingement of the dry chemical against theinternal cylindrical walls adjacent the mouth of the nozzle results inthe emission of a low velocity flat fan-shaped stream of dry chemicalhaving the contour shown in Figures 7 and 8 asl will be more `i'ullyexplained later.

The lower stream channel 35 is a straight un- "20 and handle I4 havethree positions, namely:

closed, fan stream or relatively low velocity, and straight stream orrelatively high velocity. The handle I4 is releasably locked by thespring and ball indent and can be'released from any one of its threepositions by applying manual pressure on the handle to release theindent ball from its locked position so as to permit the handle to bemoved to any other desired position.

A second type of nozzle construction embodying the present invention isillustrated in Figure 9, wherein the nozzle body 50 has its intake end56 externally threaded for insertion in the end of a supply hose 5connected to a source oi dry chemical suspended in a gas under pressure.The hose is clamped securely by a strap 51. The nozzle has a channel 5 Iwhich terminates in a slidable valve 5.3 activated by handle 54. Spring55 normally urges the slidable valve to closed position as shown inFigure 9. Channel 5I communicates with a chamber 53 having a nozzle tip31 positioned inwardly of its open end. When handle 54 is depressed afan-shaped stream of dry chemical will be emitted as shown in Figure 10.

The production of a fan-shaped relatively low velocity stream ofdrychemical can best be understood by reference to Figure 10, whereinthe initial stream 10 of dry chemical suspended in a gaseous medium,such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, passing through the nozzle issubdivided into a plurality of streams, for example two streams 1-I and12, when using a nozzle tip 31 having the construction shown in Figures5 and 6. The stream 10 is reduced in velocity as 1t passes through thecircular orifices 33 and is subdivided into two separate secondarystreams 1I and 12 substantially circular in cross-section which impingeagainst the interior surface of the nozzle chamber 58 and which are thenredirected essentially forwardly ot the mouth of the nozzle and combinedinto a unitary stream having the contour shown in Figures '7 and 8 andcross-section shown in Figure 10. It is to be is adapted to provide afan-shaped stream hav-v lngthe contour shown in Figures '1, 8 and 10Awhen produced by either of the nozzle constructions previouslydescribed. The dimensions shown at the top of the vertical lines inFigures '7 and 8y are the distances from the nozzle mouth and thedimensions given below the top of the vertical lines are the measurementof the stream width at such locations.

The nozzle tip'31 is made of a conical metal plug having a rounded noseas shown in Figure 6 or a pointed nose 40 as shown in Figure 5A madepreferably of corrosion-resistant alloy of aluminum and having the sidessloping relatively to each other at an intersecting angle of about 60.The base of the coneterminates in a relatively short cylindrical portion43 as shown in Figure 6 which is adapted to be snugly retained in seat39 of the nozzle as shown in Figure 4. The base of the plug is boredinteriorly to provide a hollow interior 42. Two opposed circularorifices 38 are drilled in the exterior conical surface of the plug soas to communicate with the hollow interior of the plug. The orices 38are positioned at an angle less than 90 to the longitudinal axis of theplug, preferably at an angle of about 60, and at right angles to theexterior conical surface. The axes of the orifices shown in Figure 6 arepositioned at an intersecting angle of about 60. The size, number andlocation of the orifices 38 determine the character and shape of theemitted stream. The location of the nozzle tip 31 in relation to theopen mouth of the nozzle will affect and determine the character of theemitted stream. The-internal shape and dimensions of the orifice mouthwhich constitute the impingement surface for the ysecondary streams arealso factors which affect the type of stream emitted. The angle of theaxis of the orifices 38 in relation to the internal Wall of the nozzlemouth against which the secondaryl streams impinge Will affect theextent and velocity of redirection of the secondary streams. The wallthickness of the plug at the region of the orifices 38 will also affectthe character of the secondary streams aswell as the final emittedstream. In general it is preferred to have the wall thickness of theplug at the orifice 38 equal to about one-half of its opening diameter.The diameter of the primary channel 36 is also a factor influencing thecharacter of the final emitted stream.

Obviously the previously mentioned factors can lbe greatly varied over awide range and must be necessarily coordinated for any given nozzleconstruction in order to produce a stream of a desired predeterminedshape and velocity. The

Figures 19 and 20 a nozzle tip is shown having opposed arc-shapedelongated slots 80. In Figures 21 and 22 a pair of spaced rectangularslots 6l are provided in the nozzle tip.

Instead of using a separate nozzle tip which is retained adjacent themouth of the nozzle it may be feasible to provide a cone-shaped wall orpartition adjacent the nozzle mouth integral with the nozzle bodyconvexed outwardly and provided with a suitable number of orifices ofthe character previously described.

The nozzle of the present invention is particularly adapted for use withdry chemical fire extinguishing equipment. Such equipment for examplemay consist of a welded steel cylinder holding the dry chemical charge,a cylinder of nitrogen gas which provides the pressure for expelling thedry chemical and 50 ft. of V4-in. rubber hose equipped with a 3-positionshutoii' nozzle as shown in Figures 1 to 4 for controlling and directingthe flow of dry chemical. As previously explained the nozzle can be shutoff. produce a high velocity straight stream, or a low velocity fanstream of dry chemical. The entire .assembly is fastened to a suitablecarriage mounted on two wheels to permit the extinguisher t0 be movedabout readily.

The extinguishers are normally operated in an upright position. Thenitrogen cylinder valve is opened fully and then the dry chemical tankvalve is opened. The hose is then removed from the rack and uncoiled forits full length. The nozzle is then opened, usually to the high velocitystraight stream position at the start to reduce number of orifices inthe nozzle tip may also I be varied if desired. The use of two orificespreviously described will produce a fan-shaped stream having asubstantially elliptical crosssection as shown in Figure 10A. In Figure11 a nozzle tip is shown having three equally spaced circular orifices38h which will produce a stream having a substantially triangularcross-section as Shown in Figure 12. Figure 13 illustrates a nozzle tiphaving four equally spaced oriices 38e which will produce a streamhaving a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contour as shown inFigure 14. A nozzle tip having six equally spaced orifices 38d is shownin Figure 15 which will produce a stream having substantially circularcross-sectional contour as shown in Figure 16.

Figure 17 illustrates a further modified nozzle tip construction whereinan orifice is provided at the nose portion in line with the axis of thenozzle tip in addition to the orifices on the conical surfaces of thenozzle tip. Orifice 45 serves to increase the stream velocity of theemitted stream produced by this nozzle tip without substantiallychanging the fan-shaped contour of the stream.

The contour of the orifices used in the nozzle tips may be varied ifdesired. For example, in

the lire intensity and bring the re under control, after which thenozzle is changed to they fan stream position and the re is thenapproached more closely, sweeping the flames ahead of the operator by aside-to-side motion of the nozzle to complete the extinguishment. Theflames are extinguished by the formation of a blanket of inert gas andWater vapor resulting from the decomposition of the dry chemical by theheat of the fire which temporarily cuts off the oxygen supply to thezone of combustion. The approximate maximum effective stream range mayvary for example from 35 to 45 ft. for the straight stream andapproximately 10 to l5 ft. for the fan stream.

In accordance with the present invention it is possible to control theshape of the stream as well as its velocity to suit the needs forextinguishing fires of different types. Previously attempts have beenmade to produce fan-shapedvstreams of dry chemical for extinguishinggasoline and oil fires, but such streams have always been narrow inwidth and of a high velocity. When using such prior streams they wouldhave a tendency to go through and past the ames to be extinguishedwithout offering adequate and effective means for extinguishing thefire. In accordance with the present invention the shape, direction andvelocity of the dry chemical stream is predeter-I mined and regulated tomost effectively ex tinguish the flames because the velocity and shapeis controlled to distribute the finely divided chemical at an adequaterate for eflicient and effective extinguishment of the fire. Byeffecting a. wide distribution area the dry chemical tends to float onor blanket the fire which is thus quickly and e'ectively put out.

It is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications may bemade in the specific embodiment o f the invention herein disclosed 7 andit is intended to include such modicatlons within the scope of theappended claims.

We claim:

1. A nozzle for producing streams of comminuted tree' flowing materialshaving a predetermined shape and velocity comprising a chamber openingoutwardly, a nozzle tip positioned within said chamber spaced inwardlyfrom the said chamber opening, a plurality oi' orices in said nozzle tipto produce individual streams for impin'gement against ythe inner wallsof said chamber, the inner walls being substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of said nozzle, said walls redirecting said streamsessentially florwardly of the nozzle to yJoin other like redirectedstreams and to emerge fromV said chamber while recombining the majorportions of the streams outside of the nozzle to form a combined stream,the said orifices in said nozzle tip being positioned at a distance fromthe said chamber opening to substantially predetermine the shape andvelocity of the emitted stream.

2. A nozzlev for producing streams of comminuted free flowing materialshaving a predetermined shape and velocity comprising a chamber openingoutwardly, a conicalnozzle tip positioned within said chamberl spacedinwardly from the said chamber opening, a plurality of spaced orificesin said nozzle tip positioned at an angle less than 90 to thelongitudinal axis of said'nozzle tip to'produce individualstreains forlmpingement against the inner walls of said chamber, the inner wallsbeing substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said nozzle,said walls re'- directing said streams essentially forwardly of `thenozzle to join other like redirected streams land tol emerge from saidchamber while recombining the major portions of the streams outside ofthe nozzle'to form a combined stream, the said orifices in said nozzletip being positioned at a distance from Vthe said chamber opening tosubstantially predetermine the shape and velocity of the emitted stream.

3. A nozzle for producing streams of comminuted free flowing materialshaving a predetermined shape andv velocity comprising a chamber openingoutwardly, a nozzle tip positioned within said chamber spacedinwardlyfrom the said chamber opening, two circular spaced orlces insaid nozzle tip to produce individual streams for impingement againstthe inner walls of said chamber, the inner walls being substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of said nozzle, said walls redirectingsaid streams essentially forwardly o1' the nozzle to @Join and to emergefrom said chamber while recombining the major portions of the streamsoutside of the nozzle to form a combined stream, the said orifices insaid nozzle tip being positioned at a distance from the said chamberopening to substantially predetermine the shape and'velocity of theemitted stream.

LA nozzle for producing streams of comminuted free owing materialshaving a predetermined shape and velocity comprising a chamber openingoutwardly, a partition positioned within said chamber spaced inwardlyfrom the said chamber opening, a plurality of orlces in said partitionto produce individual streams for impingement against the inner walls ofsaid\ chamber, the inner walls being substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of said nozzle, said walls redirecting said streamsessentially forwardly of the nozzle to Join other ,like redirectedstreams and to emerge from said chamber while recombining the majorportions of the streams outside the nozzle to form a combined stream,the said oriilces in said partition being positioned at a distance fromlthe said chamber opening to substantially predetermine the shape andvelocity of the emitted stream.

The following references are of record in file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Broome Feb. 12, 1924 FOREIGN PATENTSNumber y, Country Date 12,660 Norway Feb. l5, 1904 Number the

